The government of South Africa has published new Gas Master Plan, a forward-looking approach to leveraging natural gas resources for economic growth, social development, and energy security in South Africa.
The plan was developed by Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy together with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, with contributions from private sector players. The comprehensive strategy aimed at integrating natural gas into the country’s energy mix, provides a clear policy direction for the gas industry in South Africa, offering guidance to stakeholders and industry players. It explores various options for sourcing natural gas, both domestically and internationally, to meet the country’s energy needs.
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Gas master plan
The plan emphasizes the need for an extensive infrastructure network to support the gas industry, including considerations for demand uncertainties and transitioning to cleaner technologies. South Africa aims to collaborate with partners in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to ensure regional energy security and stability.
The Gas Master Plan prioritizes the protection of natural resources and environmental assets, highlighting the importance of sustainable development. It also identifies specific areas of demand for natural gas across the country and proposes initiatives such as converting existing power stations to gas-fired plants and building new infrastructure. It outlines different scenarios based on varying levels of gas demand, with corresponding plans for infrastructure development and power generation capacity. Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe said the department has invited the public, stakeholders and industry experts to submit inputs on the plan before 15 June 2024.
